Early Life and Education of Sylvester Stallone: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Sylvester Stallone. From birth to education, explore key events.

Sylvester Stallone is an acclaimed American actor and filmmaker with a career spanning over five decades. He has received numerous awards, including a Golden Globe and a Critics' Choice Award, and has been nominated for multiple Academy Awards and BAFTA Awards. Notably, he is one of only two actors to have starred in a number-one box-office film across six consecutive decades. His films have collectively grossed over $7.5 billion worldwide, solidifying his status as a major figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1919: Francesco "Frank" Stallone Sr.'s Birth

In 1919, Francesco "Frank" Stallone Sr., Sylvester Stallone's father, was born. He was a hairdresser who owned hair salons and was an avid polo player.

1921: Jacqueline "Jackie" Stallone's Birth

In 1921, Jacqueline "Jackie" Stallone (née Labofish), Sylvester Stallone's mother, was born. She was a celebrity astrologer and women's professional wrestling promoter.

July 6, 1946: Sylvester Stallone's Birth

On July 6, 1946, Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone, also known as "Sly", was born in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. He is the elder son of Jacqueline "Jackie" Stallone, a celebrity astrologer and women's wrestling promoter, and Francesco "Frank" Stallone Sr., a hairdresser.

1954: Mother opened Barbella's

In 1954, Sylvester Stallone's mother opened a women's gym called Barbella's in Washington, D.C.

September 1965: Attending American College of Switzerland

From September 1965 to June 1967, Sylvester Stallone attended the American College of Switzerland.

June 1967: End of studies at American College of Switzerland

Sylvester Stallone ended his studies at the American College of Switzerland in June 1967.

1969: Studying at the University of Miami

From 1967 to 1969, Stallone studied as a drama major at the University of Miami but did not graduate.

1969: Moving to New York City

In 1969, Sylvester Stallone moved to New York City, struggling to find work as an actor.

1970: Stage Name Change

In 1970, Mike Stallone started using the stage name Sylvester E. Stallone.

December 28, 1974: Marriage to Sasha Czack

On December 28, 1974, Sylvester Stallone married Sasha Czack.

March 24, 1975: Inspiration for Rocky

On March 24, 1975, Sylvester Stallone saw the Muhammad Ali vs. Chuck Wepner fight, inspiring him to write the first draft of Rocky in three days.

1976: Birth of Son Sage Moonblood Stallone

In 1976, Sylvester Stallone and Sasha Czack had their first son, Sage Moonblood Stallone.

1979: Birth of Son Seargeoh Stallone

In 1979, Sylvester Stallone and Sasha Czack had their second son, Seargeoh, who was later diagnosed with autism.

February 14, 1985: Divorce from Sasha Czack

On February 14, 1985, Sylvester Stallone and Sasha Czack divorced.

December 15, 1985: Marriage to Brigitte Nielsen

On December 15, 1985, Sylvester Stallone married model and actress Brigitte Nielsen in Beverly Hills, California.

1988: Relationship with Jennifer Flavin Begins

In 1988, Sylvester Stallone began a relationship with model Jennifer Flavin.

1989: Death of Joe Spinell

In 1989, Sylvester Stallone's close friend, Joe Spinell, passed away.

February 1994: Birth of Janice Dickinson's Child and End of Engagement

In February 1994, Janice Dickinson gave birth to a child and Stallone ended his engagement with Dickinson after DNA tests confirmed he was not the father.

1994: Contribution to Rick Santorum's Campaign

In 1994, Stallone contributed $1,000 to the campaign of then-Congressman Rick Santorum, who was running for the Senate in Pennsylvania.

1995: Rekindled Relationship with Jennifer Flavin

In 1995, after a brief engagement with model Angie Everhart, Sylvester Stallone rekindled his relationship with Jennifer Flavin.

1996: Rediscovery of Faith

In 1996, Stallone rediscovered his Catholic faith after his daughter was born ill. This marked a return to the strict Catholic beliefs of his childhood.

May 1997: Marriage to Jennifer Flavin

In May 1997, Sylvester Stallone married Jennifer Flavin.

1998: Receiving a BFA Degree

In 1998, Sylvester Stallone was granted a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree by the University of Miami after requesting that his acting and life experiences be accepted in exchange for his remaining needed college credits.

2005: Co-presented "The Contender", guest appearance in "Las Vegas", inducted Hulk Hogan into WWE Hall of Fame, released "Sly Moves"

In 2005, Sylvester Stallone co-presented "The Contender" and made a guest appearance in "Las Vegas". He inducted Hulk Hogan into the WWE Hall of Fame and released his book "Sly Moves".

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2006: Return to Strict Catholicism and 700 Club Interview

In 2006, Stallone returned to being a strict Catholic and was interviewed by Pat Robertson on the Christian Broadcasting Network's 700 Club, where he discussed "losing his way" in Hollywood and putting things "in God's hands".

2008: Endorsement of John McCain for President

In 2008, Stallone endorsed John McCain for that year's presidential election.

2010: GQ Magazine Interview on Spirituality

In 2010, Stallone told GQ magazine that he considers himself spiritual and believes in the spirit of man, while not belonging to a structured church, expressing appreciation for some aspects of Catholicism while also acknowledging the agony it has caused.

2011: Death of Frank Stallone Sr.

In 2011, Francesco "Frank" Stallone Sr., Sylvester Stallone's father, passed away.

August 26, 2012: Death of Half-Sister Toni Ann Filiti

On August 26, 2012, Sylvester Stallone's half-sister, Toni Ann Filiti, died of lung cancer at the age of 48.

2012: Death of Son Sage Moonblood Stallone

In 2012, Sylvester Stallone's son, Sage Moonblood Stallone, died of heart disease at the age of 36.

2015: Hindu Ritual for Son Sage

In 2015, Stallone performed a Hindu Tithi Shradh ritual at Haridwar for his son Sage, upon the advice of a Vedic scholar.

2016: Comments on Donald Trump and Rejection of NEA Chair Offer

In 2016, Stallone described Donald Trump as a "Dickensian character" and "larger than life" but did not endorse him in the Republican primaries. He also declined an offer to become Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, citing a desire to work on veterans' issues.

2020: Death of Jackie Stallone

In 2020, Jacqueline "Jackie" Stallone, Sylvester Stallone's mother, passed away.

August 19, 2022: Jennifer Flavin Files for Divorce

On August 19, 2022, Jennifer Flavin filed for divorce from Sylvester Stallone after 25 years of marriage.

September 23, 2022: Reconciliation with Jennifer Flavin

On September 23, 2022, Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Flavin reconciled.

2023: Donation to Kyrsten Sinema's Campaign and Meeting with Pope Francis

In 2023, Stallone donated $11,600 to Senator Kyrsten Sinema's re-election campaign in Arizona. Later that year, he and his family met with Pope Francis in a private meeting at the Vatican.

2024: Attendance at Mar-a-Lago and Praise for Donald Trump

In 2024, after Donald Trump's election, Stallone attended an event at Mar-a-Lago. During a speech, Stallone praised Trump as a "mythical character" and the "second George Washington", comparing him to his character Rocky Balboa.

January 16, 2025: Appointment as Special Ambassador to Hollywood

On January 16, 2025, Stallone was announced by Trump to serve as a Special Ambassador to Hollywood, alongside Jon Voight and Mel Gibson, aiming to strengthen Hollywood by bringing back business lost to foreign countries.